When Is An Addiction An Addiction?

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When thinking about your health, it’s important to consider addictions. The truth is that most of us are addicted to things without even realising it. If you don’t think you’re addicted to anything, I’ve got an experiment you can try. Your task is to give up one of the things you enjoy most for a week. If you don’t manage it, then congratulations, you’ve got an addiction. This might be blogging, binge watching Netflix or even exercising. Exercising for an average period is good for you but exercising every day for hours could damage your body. However, I think you’ll agree that most of those addictions aren’t that severe. The problem is that there are addictions that could destroy your life. I’m talking about addiction to substances or alcohol.

It’s important to know when you are addicted to something. When you face that realisation, you will be able to do something about it. What are the signs?

Changes In Mood

It’s true to say that most people who are addicted to harmful substances will display erratic changes in behaviour. Sometimes they will be incredibly happy and then they will fall into a depression. They may get angry or feel sad for no reason at all. You might not notice these types of mood swings yourself, but someone in your life might. It’s particularly worrying if these mood swings are occurring only when you are not on a substance or medication.

Blackouts

People with addiction often experience lapses in time. These are durations throughout the day when they don’t realise what they’ve done or what’s happening. They may also find that they are sleeping for longer periods. It’s important to realise that this is also a sign of depression and that is often a side effect of addiction.

Craving

If you find yourself craving something, this is a sign of addiction. You may think an addiction to drugs is obvious. But you’re probably thinking of illegal drugs? What about prescription medication? Researchers believe there has been an increase in the abuse of prescription drugs. This shouldn’t be surprising as some are just as powerful and addictive as drugs you might buy on the street. If you find yourself facing withdrawal symptoms without medication, you may need drug rehabilitation. It’s important that you deal with the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

Physical Symptoms

If you are addicted to a substance, you will find yourself facing withdrawal symptoms when you are not taking it. This is your body demanding a substance that it has grown used to having Alcoholics may find that they experience tremors in their hands and body. Drug users often experience cold and hot sweats. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should get help as soon as possible.

Detached From Society

Due to the combined effect of these symptoms, people with addiction often find themselves detached from society. They lose contact with friends and family because their only focus is on a drug they need. However, it’s important to realise someone in this situation is not completely lost. As soon as they admit to having a problem, they can be helped back to a better quality of life. There is a way out.